The 32-year-old from Tabur in central Punjab province had dreamed of joining the air force as a child, but lost out on an education when his father died and he was forced to drop out of school and work, AFP reported.

Refusing to give up his dream, he said he taught himself the principles of flight by watching National Geographic Channel's Air Crash Investigation.

Muhammad Fayyaz reassembles his home-made aircraft after the police released him from custody at his home in a village in Arifwala, near Multan, PakistanCredit:
AFP

Selling off family land and taking out a loan, he modeled his aircraft on plans found on the internet, all the while working as a popcorn seller and security guard.

His first test flight came in February, when he and friends claim he reached speeds of 75mph before taking off and flying for more than a mile at a height of around two feet. Mr Fayyaz's claim has not been verified.

But his public debut planned for a month later, ended in arrest and seizure of his aircraft after police said it was dangerous. He was later freed and his plane returned and he told the Telegraph he hopes to be airborne within a couple of months.

He said is raising money for a new attempt and seeking donations from well wishers.

“I am reassembling my plane and hopefully will be able to do it in a couple of months,” he said. “The civil aviation authority is in contact with me and has promised to provide a proper space for take off and landing for the next attempt. I am seeking help from anybody for finance and will collect money on my own as well.”

Reports of his misfortune resulted in social media fame, where he was praised as a hero and inspiration.

Representatives from the Pakistan Air Force have made two visits to view the plane and the commander of a nearby base issued him a certificate which praises his "passion and dexterity" in building what it described as a "mini basic” aeroplane.